Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

Aviculture references:
B7, B29, B30, B31, B40, B94, B97, B108, B128.w1, B128.w2, B139
D1, D8

Other References

TAXA Group (where information has been collated for an entire group on a modular basis)

Parent Group

• Waterfowl
• Dabbling Ducks

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

Aviculture Information

Notes

• Dabbling Ducks are generally hardy, easy to maintain and easy to breed. Shelter may be required by some of the smaller species in winter. They should be provided with cover (including marginal pond cover) and loafing areas as well as water. A pen which is 50% water is suggested. The water may be shallow (i.e. no more than two feet deep is required), and muddy areas for dabbling in are also appreciated. These ducks are generally good in mixed collections, although the smaller and quieter species may be bullied. Territorial disputes between ducks of the same species may be avoided by keeping only one pair of each species in an enclosure, unless the area is very large. For a single pair of ducks a pen are of 50 to 100 square metres, depending on the size of duck, should be provided.
• A diet based on wheat and pellets is suggested, with maintenance pellets changed to breeders pellets for the breeding season. Bread and greenfood are also appreciated. Grit should always be available, with soluble grit (e.g. oystershell grit) as a calcium source when breeding.
• Most species are ground nesters and both close ground cover and ground level nest boxes should be provided. Hand-rearing is generally preferred, as these ducks are generally poor parents in captive conditions, particularly in enclosures shared with other waterfowl. These ducks are prone to hybridization, particularly with closely related species, which should be kept apart from one another.

(B7, B29, B30, B40, B94, B128.w1, D1)

Species-specific information:

• Chestnut teal (Chestnut-breasted teal) are easy to keep, being quite winter-hardy, easy to manage, feed and breed, generally unaggressive and suitable for mixed collections with other small ducks. Feed grain, pellets, greenfood and bread. They are unlikely to stray once established if allowed fully flighted.
• These ducks may lay up to three clutches if eggs removed before incubation starts. May lay from March or April in the northern hemisphere, in ground-level or raised nest boxes, or in ground cover. Ducklings are easy to rear along with other ducklings.
• Hybridisation reports common, but firmly-paired drakes rarely pursue other females. Hybridisation reported with Anas species, also with Amazonetta brasiliensis - Brazilian teal and Clangula hyemalis - Long-tailed duck (ducklings were not reared).

(B29, B30, B31, B40, B94, B97, B108, B128.w2, B139).

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average ring size: K 10.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Eclipse:- Duller, with brownish feathering, sometimes very similar to female but still brighter (B3, B8, B25).

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

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Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

Coastal western, southern and eastern Australia, locally further inland, and Bass Strait Islands, Kangaroo Island, Tasmania (B1, B19).

Generally sedentary, small-scale dispersion inland and along coasts, but vagrants throughout Australia and to New Guinea (B1).

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Not globally threatened; widely scattered and locally common, although declined in 20^th century, have increased where nest boxes provided (B1, B8).

Captive Populations

Trade